Fields & Seagulls

Fields & Seagulls: Essex

Look out across ancient hedgerows and golden fields from the outdoor tub of this secluded shepherd’s hut. It’s a world away from the city bustle, set in three acres of wildflower meadows, rolling fields and rambling walkways, with a pond for wild swimming. If it’s sea air you crave, it’s less than ten minutes’ drive to the beach near Holland on Sea and the local village (a half-hour ramble away) has three cosy pubs to choose from. Returning to your nook in the countryside, soak away the sand and salt in the wood-fired bathtub outside and watch the sun streak the fields pink and gold. There’s a wood-fired barbecue and fire-pit too if you want to dine beneath the stars. Inside, a little kitchenette provides everything you need for a quick meal, perhaps courtesy of the farm-fresh eggs left by your host, and the stunning interior of reclaimed wood, bronze and copper create a warm palette to unwind in. Fire up the wood-burning stove to keep things warm in chilly evenings and snuggle down in a built-in bespoke bed, like a luxurious hobbit hole.

Home truths:
*This home is a twenty-minute walk from the nearest train station and there's no bus stop nearby, so having a car is recommended
*Onsite parking is available 100 metres from the home and your hosts provide a wheelbarrow to transport any heavy luggage
*There are free-range rescue hens living on the farm so those with allergies should take note
*Based on the grounds of a working farm, there may be noise from farm machinery and rural shoots at certain times of year
*Wood for the stove and fire pit is provided alongside enough kindling for one heated outdoor bath, additional baths cost £15 for a wood top-up
*The kitchenette has a gas hob, but no oven or freezer
*Away from it all, there is no TV or Wi-Fi here